For Part 1 – Click HERE

2. Reading

From the get go, reading the Bible is a bit different from reading any other book. It goes beyond reading a story or simply gathering information. You should read the Bible actively, listening to, reflecting and engaging with God as you do so. That’s not usually how we read – stopping and wondering what the author wants to do in us – that’s different to any other book and that’s what makes it an interesting book.

Choose a Translation That You Can Read Easily

The YouVersion Bible App is a great free bible app that lets you choose from multiple translation. Definitely worth checking out.

You are reading with a purpose to hear God.

The Amount You Read Doesn’t Matter

You are not reading the Bible to simply get through it, but to get the Bible through you.

Your are not reading the Bible to simply get through it, but to get the Bible through you.

Tweet

Read it slowly, prayerfully. Pray through what you’re reading and ask God to help you understand and of course apply it into your life.

Balanced Reading

The whole canon of Scripture consists of 66 books that presents a full narrative that tells the story of God. Some books are harder than others to understand – but honestly, they matter. Having a favourite go to book is a good thing, but to get the big picture we need to have balanced reading of the entire Bible or we miss out on the breadth and depth of it.

There is a beauty to be discovered in the way the books weave into and inform the others.

YouVersion has so many whole bible plans.

You might find going cover to cover hard work and give up somewhere in the middle of the Old Testament. You could try the M’Cheyne Plan, it’s a good daily balance of the Old and New Testament.

(And don’t forget the audio option from Part 1)

3. Memory Work

Instantly you’ll be thinking Sunday School, the leaders as the front creatively teaching verses and a sweet or prize when you recited it correctly.

Memorising scripture is a great way of slowing down your intake and helps you focus on what you’re reading.

Helps You Recall When You Need it Most

If you’ve ever had to remember a verse or passage chances are you can still recall it.

Memorising scripture is a great way of engaging with the Bible. Have you tried it?

Tweet

Jesus said that one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit was to help you remember the things that he said (John 14:26) If you’ve never read what Jesus said, how is He going to help you remember?

The format below for memorising scripture is taken from Chapter 5 in Lead Like Jesus

If you are doing the Back to Basis mini-series with us in church, we set the challenge this week of learning Ephesians 3:14-21.

Give it a go! I’d love to hear how you get on, or if you have other key passages you think are worth committing to memory leave a comment and inspire someone else.

For Part 3 Click Here